In Memory of

Marjorie

Mae

Gibson

Obituary for Marjorie Mae Gibson

Marjorie Gibson
29 May 1922 – 10 June 2017


Born on a farm near Standard, Alberta to Nels William Thompson (Niels Wilhelm Thomsen) and Belle Thompson (née Bamford), Marjorie graduated from the University of Alberta with a BA in 1943, having studied Philosophy and Psychology. She worked as a social worker in the Provincial Guidance Clinic, a mental health clinic, until she married (Andrew) Sheldon Gibson in 1945. In addition to managing their household, she taught Bible history classes for many years, and founded an outreach program for inner-city seniors in Edmonton and a host-family program for international students at SAIT in Calgary.

In retirement Marjorie and Sheldon travelled widely; participated in Canadian Club; volunteered as drivers for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics; golfed at Silver Springs Golf and Country Club; curled at the Calgary Winter Club; attended Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra concerts, study groups at St. David’s United, and Esso Annuitant hikes and wine appreciation evenings; donated to numerous charities; and enjoyed their grandchildren, great-grandchildren and wide circle of fabulous friends. After Sheldon’s death in 2010, Marjorie moved to Vancouver to be near family.

She died at home, a great gift made possible by the wonderful support of many compassionate and professional caregivers and palliative-care nurses and doctors.

Marjorie is survived by her children and their spouses: (Andrew) Ralph Gibson and Mary (née Nix) of Cleveland, Ohio; Lorna and Victor Shapiro of Vancouver; Isabel Gibson and Ivan Wawryk of Ottawa; and Mary Gibson and Cathal Tunney of Edmonton; nine grandchildren and their spouses/partners; five great-grandchildren; her sister, Doris Jewell, of Red Deer; and seven nieces and nephews and their families.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKenzie Funeral Services. The memorial service will be on Wednesday, 14 June 2017, at 2 PM at Canadian Memorial United Church. The family asks that those wishing to make tributes do so by donating to the charity of their choice, instead of sending flowers.